Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Yesterday we went to lunch at the Tate Britain, for those of you who have not been in London in recent years that is the old Tate as opposed to the Tate Modern which is across the river. We viewed an exhibit of Turner in conjunction with Rothko. Showing the modernism of Turner, use of light and abstract much unheard of in the mid 1800's. Turner's work in comparison with his contemporaries was very different and led to criticism during his lifetime. After lunch at the Rex Whistler restaurant, not one I'd recommend, we headed off on foot along the Thames. 
Took in the sights of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. We then wound our way toward Buckingham Palace via St. James Park and finally back to our hotel. 
We truly did try for high tea but were an hour early so we opted for a drink and strawberries at the bar! Next we went to Harrod's, I know not why...oh yes souvenirs. It is a crowded, hot, big department store, really nothing special, except for the food court. I imagine most everyone there was a visitor not a Londoner. 
We had dinner at an Indian restaurant, Benares. A very upscale Indian restaurant, not like the small strip mall varieties we find ourselves in at home. It was excellent fare, well recommended by the hotel concierge.
By the by if you ever do have a chance the Lanesborough was a great hotel, the accommodation roomy and comfortable, the staff was very friendly and helpful, it's a good location for exploring the city, and the best high tea in London; the bar is good too!
Today we find ourselves sitting at Heathrow awaiting our flight back to the states. I will post our London pics tomorrow.
I understand some of you have commented on the blog but I have not received them all. I also wish that I would stop rocking, we've been off the ship now for three days and I'm still feeling the motion.

2 comments:

  1. Safe journey across the pond! Next time I do London, I will try the Lanesborough for sure.
    Charlotte

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  2. Love the Tate! Saw the Turner exhibit in college and loved it. Can't wait to take the girls and hubby (i.e. son, nephew) to London some day. Tea and teddy bears!

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